Luke 18:33

KJV

And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they shall scourge {G3146} him, and put {G615} him {G846} to death {G615}: and {G2532} the third {G5154} day {G2250} he shall rise again {G450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, after they have beaten him, they will kill him. But on the third day he will rise.”

Berean Standard Bible

They will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.”

American Standard Version

and they shall scourge and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:33 presents one of Jesus' most explicit and comprehensive prophecies concerning His impending passion. In this pivotal declaration, Jesus reveals to His disciples the precise sequence of events: His brutal scourging, His subsequent execution, and His glorious resurrection on the third day. This statement underscores His divine foreknowledge and the predetermined, redemptive nature of His mission, serving as a foundational truth for understanding the path to salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophecy is the third and most detailed of Jesus' passion predictions recorded in Luke's Gospel, building upon earlier, less specific mentions in [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection") and [Luke 9:44](/luke/9-44 "Jesus Again Foretells His Death"). It occurs immediately after Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler and His teaching on the difficulty of the wealthy entering the kingdom of God, and before the healing of the blind man near Jericho. The narrative flow places this declaration as Jesus and His disciples are "going up to Jerusalem" ([Luke 18:31](/luke/18-31 "Jesus Foretells His Passion on the Way to Jerusalem")), the very city where these events would unfold. Despite the stark clarity of Jesus' words, the disciples' profound lack of comprehension is highlighted in the subsequent verse, [Luke 18:34](/luke/18-34 "Disciples' Lack of Understanding"), which states, "And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken." This intentional narrative placement emphasizes the chasm between Jesus' divine understanding of His mission and the disciples' earthly expectations of a conquering Messiah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events foretold in Luke 18:33 were deeply rooted in the political and religious climate of first-century Judea under Roman occupation. "Scourging" (Latin: *flagellatio*) was a common, brutal Roman punishment, often a prelude to crucifixion, designed to inflict maximum pain and public humiliation. It was a severe form of torture, frequently leading to death. "Putting him to death" would refer to crucifixion, the most agonizing and shameful form of execution reserved by the Romans for slaves, rebels, and the lowest criminals. Jewish law permitted different forms of capital punishment (e.g., stoning), but crucifixion was a Roman imposition. The expectation among many Jews was for a Messiah who would be a political and military liberator, overthrowing Roman rule and establishing an earthly kingdom, as seen in the disciples' persistent questions about the kingdom throughout the [Gospels](/matthew "The Gospel of Matthew") and [Acts](/acts/1-6 "Disciples Ask About the Kingdom"). Jesus' prophecy of suffering and death directly contradicted these popular messianic hopes, making it difficult for His followers to grasp.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:33 encapsulates several profound themes central to Luke's Gospel and the broader Christian narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts the **Divine Sovereignty** of God over human history and the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Jesus' precise foretelling demonstrates that His suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidental or tragic failures, but rather part of God's predetermined, redemptive plan, echoing ancient prophecies like those concerning the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Necessity of Suffering and Atonement**. The mention of "scourging" and "death" highlights the brutal and sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, emphasizing that His suffering was essential for the atonement of sins and the redemption of humanity. Thirdly, the declaration "the third day he shall rise again" is the absolute cornerstone of **Christian Hope and the Triumph of Resurrection**. This phrase signifies victory over sin, death, and the grave, validating Jesus' claims as the Son of God and offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe. It transforms the apparent tragedy of His death into a glorious, redemptive triumph. Finally, the disciples' inability to understand this prophecy, despite its clarity, highlights the recurring theme of **Disciples' Misunderstanding** throughout the Gospels, serving as a powerful reminder that God's plans often transcend human expectations and logic.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scourge (Greek, _mastigóō'_):** From *mastix*, meaning "a whip" or "scourge," this verb denotes a severe flogging. In the Roman context, this was a brutal punishment, often involving a whip with pieces of bone or metal, designed to tear the flesh and induce extreme pain, frequently leading to death. Jesus' use of this specific term indicates the precise and excruciating nature of the physical suffering He would endure before His crucifixion.
* **put to death (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** This compound verb, formed from *apo* (away from) and *kteinō* (to slay), means "to kill outright" or "to slay." It leaves no ambiguity about the fatal outcome of the events Jesus describes, confirming His impending execution. The term emphasizes the finality of His earthly life, leading to His burial.
* **rise again (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** Composed of *ana* (up) and *histēmi* (to stand), this verb literally means "to stand up again" or "to be raised." It refers to a physical, bodily resurrection from the dead, not merely a spiritual or metaphorical revival. Its inclusion immediately after the mention of death highlights the ultimate victory and reversal of death's power that would occur.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall scourge him":** This phrase predicts the brutal physical torment Jesus would undergo. The "they" refers to the Roman authorities, specifically the soldiers, who would carry out the flogging. This act was a standard precursor to crucifixion, designed to weaken the victim and maximize suffering, fulfilling prophecies about the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance")).
* **"and put him to death":** Following the scourging, Jesus explicitly states His execution. This refers to His crucifixion, a public and humiliating form of capital punishment. This part of the prophecy underscores the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make, laying down His life for the sins of humanity, a voluntary act of atonement.
* **"and the third day he shall rise again":** This is the climax and cornerstone of the prophecy. The specificity of "the third day" is crucial, indicating a precise timeframe for His resurrection. This phrase signifies Jesus' triumph over death, validating His divine identity and mission, and forming the bedrock of Christian hope and the promise of eternal life for believers. It transforms the tragedy of His death into the ultimate victory.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:33 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jesus explicitly foretells future events with remarkable precision, demonstrating His divine knowledge and control over His destiny. This prophecy also functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the audience for the climactic events of the passion narrative that will unfold in Jerusalem. There is an element of **Irony** present, not explicitly within the verse itself, but in its immediate context where the disciples, despite hearing these clear words, remain spiritually blind to their meaning ([Luke 18:34](/luke/18-34 "Disciples' Incomprehension")). This highlights a **Contrast** between Jesus' clear understanding of His redemptive mission and the disciples' earthly expectations. Furthermore, the progression from "scourge" to "put him to death" and then to "rise again" demonstrates a powerful **Climax**, moving from suffering and death to ultimate triumph, structuring the core narrative of the Gospel message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:33 stands as a profound theological statement, encapsulating the very heart of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection were not random occurrences but divinely appointed events, meticulously planned and executed according to God's sovereign will. This prophecy underscores the necessity of the atonement, where Jesus, as the sinless Lamb of God, willingly endured the full wrath of God against sin, thereby providing reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The resurrection, specifically "on the third day," validates Jesus' identity as the Son of God, proves His victory over sin and death, and serves as the ultimate guarantee of future resurrection and eternal life for all who believe. It transforms the apparent defeat of the cross into the glorious triumph of God's saving power.

* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel Message: Christ Died, Was Buried, and Rose")
* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering Servant's Atoning Sacrifice")
* [Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Peter's Sermon: Jesus Delivered Up by God's Determined Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:33 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. In a world often marked by suffering, confusion, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that God's plan is sovereign and ultimately leads to triumph, even through the darkest valleys. Just as Jesus knew His path of intense suffering would culminate in glorious resurrection, we are called to trust in God's perfect wisdom, even when our circumstances seem dire or incomprehensible. This passage invites us to embrace a faith that looks beyond immediate pain to the ultimate hope of resurrection and restoration. It reminds us that our trials, when surrendered to God, can be transformed into opportunities for His glory and our growth. The resurrection is not merely a historical event, but a living reality that empowers believers to live with hope, courage, and the assurance of victory over sin and death in their own lives. It calls us to fix our eyes on the complete story of Christ—His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection—as the unwavering foundation of our faith and the wellspring of our hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' precise foreknowledge of His suffering and resurrection strengthen your trust in God's sovereign plan for your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "suffering" or "death" (e.g., loss, failure, disappointment), and how can the promise of "rising again" on the third day offer you hope?**
* **The disciples struggled to understand Jesus' words. What "hidden" truths about God's ways might you be struggling to grasp, and how can you seek greater spiritual insight?**
* **How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection empower you to face challenges and live with greater purpose and hope today?**

### FAQ

**Why did the disciples not understand Jesus' clear prophecy of His death and resurrection?**

Answer: The disciples' misunderstanding, as noted in [Luke 18:34](/luke/18-34 "Disciples' Lack of Understanding"), stemmed primarily from their deeply ingrained cultural and theological expectations of the Messiah. They anticipated a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom, not a suffering servant who would die a shameful death. Their minds were fixed on worldly power and immediate glory, making the concept of a crucified Messiah incomprehensible and contradictory to their messianic hopes. Furthermore, God's timing and divine purpose often involve a veil over human understanding until the appointed time, as the Holy Spirit had not yet fully illuminated their minds regarding the necessity of the cross and resurrection.

**What is the significance of "the third day" for Jesus' resurrection?**

Answer: The phrase "the third day" is highly significant, appearing consistently in all four Gospels and the apostolic preaching ([1 Corinthians 15:4](/1_corinthians/15-4 "Christ Rose on the Third Day")). Theologically, it points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (though not always explicitly stating "third day," the pattern of deliverance after a period of distress is present, e.g., [Hosea 6:2](/hosea/6-2 "Hosea 6:2 - After Two Days He Will Revive Us")). Historically, it provides a specific, verifiable timeframe, distinguishing Jesus' resurrection from mere resuscitation or a spiritual metaphor. It also emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, as it occurred before significant bodily decay would set in, yet after enough time to confirm His death. This precise timing underscores God's perfect plan and power over life and death.

**Was the scourging truly necessary if Jesus was going to die anyway?**

Answer: From a human perspective, the scourging might seem redundant given His impending death. However, from a theological perspective, it was profoundly necessary and part of God's redemptive plan. The scourging fulfilled Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant, particularly [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"), which states, "by his stripes we are healed." This intense physical suffering was part of the atoning work of Christ, bearing the physical consequences of humanity's sin. It demonstrates the depth of His sacrifice and the extent to which He willingly endured the full weight of human depravity and God's righteous judgment against sin, providing comprehensive healing and redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:33 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered nature of all Scripture and the culmination of God's redemptive plan in Jesus. This prophecy, delivered by Jesus Himself, is not merely a prediction but a declaration of His identity and mission as the promised Messiah. The scourging and death speak to His role as the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose innocent blood was shed for the remission of sins, fulfilling the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). His suffering was the means by which humanity's sin debt was paid, demonstrating the depth of God's love and justice. Crucially, the declaration "the third day he shall rise again" is the linchpin of the Gospel message. It signifies Jesus' triumphant victory over sin, death, and the grave, validating His divine claims and establishing Him as the [Lord of life](/acts/3-15 "Acts 3:15 - Peter's Sermon: You Killed the Author of Life"). His resurrection is the guarantee of our own justification ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Was Raised for Our Justification")) and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Thus, Luke 18:33 points directly to Jesus as the suffering, dying, and resurrected Savior, the very essence of the Good News, through whom God's eternal purposes are perfectly fulfilled.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Luke 24:7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Matthew 27:63

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

Luke 24:21

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.